Experience nature while walking one of the many trails, visiting the deer pen, sitting at the butterfly garden, fishing, or swimming in the lake!

One of the oldest parks in the county
conservation board system, it is also the largest and most popular park belonging to the Howard County Conservation Board. This scenic park includes a 54-acre man-made lake and serves as a multiple use area offering a wide variety of outdoor opportunities. Activities include fishing, picnicking, biking, camping, canoeing and boating (electric engines only), a 150-foot beach for swimming (unsupervised), nature trails, and cross country skiing along with an archery range, softball diamond, and playground equipment. The park opens each day at 6:00 am and closes at 10:30 pm and is open to camping from May to October. A park ranger resides on the premises year-round and may be reached at 641-985-2127.

Camping: Upper and lower campgrounds provide for 80 modern and primitive camping sites with electricity, water, showers, restrooms (flush toilets), and two available picnic shelters. There are designated camping areas with a picnic table and firering, but no camping pads. Supervised youth groups are allowed at a reduced rate. Please contact the HCCB office at 563-547-3634 in advance for this special rate. Camping Fees: Please check the self registration board for current rates. Self registration must be completed within one hour of arrival. As with all of our Howard County parks, campsites are on a "first come, first serve" basis. We do not take reservations at this time.

Picnicking: Several areas are provided with picnic facilities including shelters, tables, firerings, trash containers, and toilets. Two shelter houses are available: the large shelter is located in the lower campground with the smaller shelter in the upper campground. Reservations are available at no cost, but please note that reservations are not accepted on major holiday weekends. Please contact the park ranger at 641-985-2127 for shelter reservations.

Fishing: Lake Hendricks experienced a fish kill during the winter of 1995-1996. Fingerling bluegill and catfish were stocked in the fall of 1996. Largemouth bass were stocked in the spring of 1997. The lake is managed for these three species. Introduction of other species can alter the proper balance of fish, and because of this it is illegal for the public to stock any fish in Lake Hendricks.

Swimming: A large sand beach is located on the west side of the lake. This is the only area where swimming or wading is allowed. The beach is not supervised. Parents are urged to watch children closely. The beach hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Hiking/Nature Study: Several hiking trails have been established, including a 0.4 mile self-guided nature trail. Hikers should wear neutral colored clothing and walk quietly in order to view as much wildlife as possible. Also the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail runs through Lake Hendricks.

Archery: A field archery range is located at the northeast corner of Lake Hendricks Park and is managed by the Riceville Archer's Club. Ranger users are to abide by the safety rules and regulations of the course at all times.